UNC Appoints Robotics Leader Egerstedt as New Provost Amid Lawsuit

Magnus Egerstedt has been appointed as the new Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, commencing his term on March 2, 2026. Egerstedt, a prominent robotics expert and current dean of engineering at the University of California, Irvine, takes over amid ongoing legal challenges involving the university's former provost, Chris Clemens, who has filed a lawsuit against the institution.

This appointment reflects UNC's commitment to enhancing its robotics research and education, particularly as Egerstedt is known for his innovative contributions to multi-robot systems and autonomous technologies.

Chancellor Lee Roberts praised Egerstedt's leadership record and his dedication to advancing the well-being of others, aligning with UNC's mission as a leading public university. Egerstedt has a notable background in robotics, including founding the Robotarium at Georgia Institute of Technology, which has facilitated real-time experiments for thousands of users with autonomous robots.

His research focuses on the coordination and control of multi-robot systems, which holds significant implications for various sectors, including industrial automation and manufacturing. In his statement, Egerstedt expressed admiration for UNC’s energy and ambition, indicating a forward-looking approach towards integrating artificial intelligence and engineering into the university’s academic framework.

The search committee that selected Egerstedt included key figures from multiple schools within UNC, showcasing a collaborative effort in finding a leader capable of navigating the complexities of the current legal and educational landscape.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit filed by Clemens alleges that the university's Board of Trustees engaged in improper closed sessions regarding significant board matters, raising concerns over transparency. As UNC continues to grapple with these legal challenges, the focus on robotics and engineering education under Egerstedt's leadership may play a crucial role in shaping the university's future direction amid these uncertainties.